Fall River Salon Offering Free Prom Services for Students in Foster Care

Prom season can be financially stressful, so one Fall River salon owner is looking to ease that burden for children who are less fortunate.

Michelle Carvalho of MB Beauty in Fall River believes that everyone deserves to feel beautiful on prom night, no matter what financial status they are, so she is offering free prom hairstyles, makeup, and spray tans for children in DCF foster care.

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Carvalho’s Beginnings

Before MB Beauty was born in 2020, Carvalho was the proud owner of BEC Salon, and every Christmas season, she would open her doors to the homeless and provide them with a hearty, holiday meal.

“I noticed no one was really doing anything for Christmas, so I figured I would,” she said.

In 2020, Carvalho expanded her giving nature and formed a plan of helping students during prom season.

Last year was the first year she offered free prom services, and it warmed her heart to see how grateful the students were. It started as updos, and with the help of friends, Carvalho’s plan evolved into offering so much more.

“Someone donated jewelry the first year, and then others started to donate prom dresses,” she said.

A Desire to Give Back

Her idea blossomed into a joint effort, bringing the community together in a very special way.

“I just feel like I was put here (on this Earth) for a purpose and that purpose is to help others,” she said. “It’s the least I can do.”

Carvalho shared that she grew up poor in the town of Tiverton and never got a chance to go to her own prom. Now that she is older, she wants to give back whenever possible.

“I have friends that foster children, and even though they get a stipend, it’s not enough for anything extra,” said Carvalho.

Prom dresses and up-dos are typically classified as “extra” and that’s where she comes in to help.

“I want to take some stress off the parents’ plates. On prom night, you want to look and feel your best,” said Carvalho.

How to Take Advantage of Free Services at MB Beauty

MB Beauty will offer a free updo or haircut for men, makeup service, and spray tan to eligible students. If a student needs help with a prom dress, Carvalho will open her closet of donated prom dresses.

Students must provide a letter from their case worker and book their appointment in advance. Carvalho recommends booking the appointment before the last week in March to ensure she has enough time before prom night.

MB Beauty is proving that it's more than just a salon. It's a place that offers hope for students that may otherwise feel hopeless.